You are on page 1of 6

Repertoire

Repertoire
Male Choral Music
Dr. Marian Dolan

If you would like to write an article and submit it for possible publication in this section Please contact Marian Dolan, Editor E-mail: mdolan@aya.yale.edu

Male Choral Music


Dr. Marian Dolan
Choral Conductor

Men Re-sounding
For those of us who have been fortunate enough to conduct a mens ensemble, finding repertoire recommendations or score reviews of music for mens voices is unfortunately rare. For this ICB article, I am thankful to the esteemed colleagues herein who agreed to contribute their score recommendations. You will also find a list of the male choir repertoire from at the recent American Choral Directors National Conference 2011, including the scores sung by the Mens National Honor Choir (Peter Bagley, conductor). And a few male-choir scores from publishers, contributed by composers, or from my own male-chorus score library. There is also a YouTube playlist (http://bit.ly/ICBmale) including quite a few of the scores cited below. Thank you to all of the colleagues who contributed to this article. And as the classic male-choir song by Grieg says, ...care and sorrow now be gone. Brothers in song, sing on! Brothers, sing on, sing on!

Hans-Joachim Lustig
Conductor of Mnnerstimmen der Chorknaben Uetersen and Kammerchor I Vocalisti Jaakko Mntyjrvi (Finland) Pseudo Yoik NT (text: composer; ttttbbbb; 215; Fazer) Good fun for singers as well as for listeners rather fast piece in the style of finnish Yoik-music Franz Biebl (Germany) Ave Maria...Angelus Domini (sacred; ttbb + solo TBarB; 6; Wildt) For sure one of the most beautiful and effective pieces of choral music. Can be performed in mixed version as well as for female and for male choir. Mathieu Neumann (Germany) Der Feuerreiter (Ballad by Eduard Mrike; ttbb; 5; Ferrimontana) A very colourful setting of a mysterious, spooky story by a German romantic composer. Urmas Sisask (Estonia) Miserere mei, Deus (Psalm 51; ttbb; 4; Warner/Chappell) Effective combination of Bach-like polyphonic and harmonically interesting homophonic sections.

61

Frank S. Albinder
Music Director, Washington Mens Camerata, Virginia Glee Club at the University of Virginia, and the Woodley Ensemble; formerly with Chanticleer Rosephanye Powell, arr. William Powell (USA) The Word Was God (John 1:1-3; ttbb; 215; Fred Bock JG2314) Rosephanye Powell, a professor at Auburn University in Alabama, writes a great deal of original music in gospel/spiritual styles. This anthem is rhythmically vital, with the various parts continually joining in to create a complex structure and build to a great climax. Audiences and singers love it! Franz Liszt (Hungary) Szekszrd Mass, (mass; ttbb + ttbb soli + organ; 32; public domain/ http://bit.ly/oFp8S4) There arent many major works for male chorus without orchestra, but Liszt composed two: this Mass and a Requiem. The Mass features gorgeous harmonies, interesting interplay between soli and chorus and a supportive organ part. An unexpected treasure from a great composer! Carl Orff (Germany) Sunt lacrimae rerum (1: Lassus, 2: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 3: Carl Orff; tttbbb + tb soli; 13; Schott) Another unknown gem from the composer of a choral chestnut, this set of three pieces has characteristics of its famous Carmina cousin, but also features dense harmonies piled high in rich chords that alternate with sections of rhythmic vitality. A. R. Rahman, arr. Ethan Sperry (India) Zikr (Quran; ttbb + t solo + guitar/s + opt. percussion; 245; earthsongs music). Academy Award-winning film composer A. R. Rahman wrote this, his only sacred composition, for the soundtrack of a documentary film. Ethan Sperry wrote an arrangement for mens chorus that follows Rahmans original composition pretty closely, but lays out the vocal lines in a way most choruses will find familiar. The piece is exciting and vibrant and guaranteed to bring down the house.

Matti Hykki
Finland; Conductor emeritus of the YL Male Voice Choir (1980-2010) and the Laulu-Miehet Male Choir Jean Sibelius, Hymnus / Hymn / Natus in curas (Fridolf Gustafsson in Latin; ttbb; 140; Breitkopf & Hrtel). The text by F. Gustafsson was a tribute to a deceased colleague in recognition of his work for his people. The homophonic texture echoes the cadences of classical Roman poetry. The harmonies are marvellous, and differ from Sibelius other national style choral pieces. Leevi Madetoja, De Profundis, op. 56 (Psalm 130; Latin; ttbb; 640; Laulu-Miehet r.y.). This four-movement psalm is one of the finest items in Finnish chorale literature. The pure, classical part-writing constructs an overall form that simultaneously bears a Hellenic lucidity and an Oriental mystery. Baritone solo in the second movement. Parts can also be sung separately. Selim Palmgren, Darhulas gravsng /Darhulas Burial Song, (James McPherson; translation in Finnish-Swedish by J. L. Runeberg; ttbb; 350; Gehrmans). The Song of Ossian, written by Scotsman James Macpherson and passed as the work of an ancient Irish poet, has fascinated readers for over 200 years. In Palmgrens score, the divisi tenors repeat the name of the dead maiden. The composer makes the listener almost believe that the girl will rise from her bier! Einojuhani Rautavaara (Finland), Ave Maria (liturgical; ttbb; 324; Warner/Chappel Music Finland Oy). Rautavaaras early fourvoice work from the 1950s in his adaptive twelve-tone techniques is outrightly beautiful and not too demanding. Long, peaceful melodic lines are pure prayer. Suitable even for ensembles.

ICB Repertoire

... Male Choir Music

62

Diane Loomer
Canada; Founding Artistic Director, Chor Leoni Bob Chilcott, Five Ways to Kill a Man (Edwin Brock; English; ttbbb & percussion; 530; Oxford U. Press). A piece written brilliantly for mens choir that utilizes completely the sonority and sounds, strengths and expression that are unique to male choirs. Chilcotts composition captures the chilling message of the poem with remarkable craftsmanship. Veljo Tormis (Estonia), Incantatio maris aestuosi / Incantation for a Stormy Sea (the Kalevala; Latin; ttbb div; 8; Fazer). Tormis is able to take ancient Estonian folk traditions and melodies, and incorporate them into fascinating choral works that are a pleasure to sing, hear and conduct. Incantation builds a very realistic portrayal of men caught in a storm at sea, praying for calmer winds and safe harbor for their vessel. Jaroslav Kricka (Czech Republic), Zornicka / The Morning Star, Op. 28 (trad. Czech; ttbb div; 9; Hudebne Matice). Kricka is one of those rare composers who has a real affinity for the expressive possibilities and sonorities of a male voice choir. The language is difficult (Czech) but the smiles from the listeners, and even more so from the singers, make the struggle very worthwhile. trad. Scottish, arr. Jonathan Quick, Loch Lomon (trad. Scottish; English; ttbb div; 6; Cypress Choral Music). This is without question, the best arrangement I know of this treasured melody. Quick has managed to capture both the poignancy and affirmatively strong sense of country thats found in this piece. Every singer has a great line to sing in this arrangement. Gunnar Idenstam (Sweden), Oh Kristus valgus oled sa / O Christ, holy is He (trad. Estonian; ttbb + organ; 5; Gehrmans Musikforlag WC1601286). Youll need a great organist to play this piece for mens choir and organ, based on an Estonian tune, by Gunnar Idenstam, a great Swedish jazz organist. The piece starts with a jazz-like tune set by the organs bass pedals. Above this emerges a rather dark, chant-like melody, sung first by the basses and then harmonized in parallel chords by the entire choir. The organ and the choir both go on to improvisational sections, finally ending with brilliant flourishes from organ while the choir sets solid chords to support the harmonies.

Mathieu Neumann (Germany), Abendfriede am Rhein (Max Bewer; ttbb; 4; Cappella CA-2042). A beautiful late romantic sound-painting about an evening at the river Rhein. Neumann is a forgotten master of male choir music and his works are worth discovering! Robert Sund (Sweden) I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (William Wordsworth; ttbb; 4; Schott C-53576). This composition (2009) has a light, breezy and sometimes dancing-like sound, that feels almost weightless. Kurt Bikkembergs (Belgium), Schlaflied (Rilke; ttbb; 4; Schott C-53578). A very sensitive and silent work, which astonishes through its wonderful harmonic colors and through the thrilling power of silence within the composition.

Robert Sund
Sweden: Composer, former conductor of Orphei Drngar, Uppsala, Sweden Hugo Alfvn (Sweden), Aftonen / Evening (Herman Stherberg; Swedish; ttttbbbb, 4; Gehrmans / Walton / Ferrimontana). This work by the Swedish master composer Hugo Alfvn is published by 3 different publishers in different languages. It describes a calm evening in the countryside, where you can hear sounds echoing from hilltop to hilltop, as the cattle are called home for the evening. Toivo Kuula (Finland), Iltapilvi / Evening clouds (V.A. Koskenniemi; Finnish; ttbb, 3; Fazer Musik). A song with a very rich and resonant sound, where Kuula uses all the forces of a good male ensemble: dynamics from pp to fff, tight impressionistic harmonies and a tessitura ranging from the top tenors high Bb-flat to the second basses low Bb. Veljo Tormis (Estonia), Kolm mul oli kaunist sna (Paul-Eerik Rummo; Estonian; ttbb + flute, 5; edition49 #06125-10). A warm and delicate setting of a wonderful poem by Rummo. The flute has an important part both as soloist and accompanist to the choir. Camille Saint-Saens (France), Saltarelle (mile Deschamps; French; ttbb, 5; Durand). Fun to sing and fun to listen to! The title alludes to a popular Italian dance in a rapid 6/8 rhythm and the text describes a village feast.

Timothy C. Takach
USA; Composer; singer and co-founder of Cantus Leevi Madetoja (Finland), De Profundis (Psalm 130; Latin; ttbb; 530 Sulasol). I love how efficient Madetoja is in his composing. There are 4 short movements in this five and a half minute piece, and each one encompasses its own energy and character without losing efficacy. Contemplative, moving, and gorgeous. Eric William Barnum (USA), I Come Singing (Jacob Auslander; English; ttbb + shaman drum; 3; Graphite Publishing). This piece uses driving rhythms and ostinati to create an exciting concert

Jan Schumacher
Germany; conductor, Camerata Musica Limburg and HARMONIE Lindenholzhausen male vocal ensembles; vice-chair of Music Commission, European Choral Association - Europa Cantat Franz Schubert (Austria), Wein und Liebe (J. Chr. F. Haug; ttbb; 330; Ferrimontana EF 1197). It is a fresh and lively work of music about wine and love that attracts very much both singers and audience.

opener. Its a piece singers can really sink their teeth into and perform with great passion and energy. Kenneth Jennings (USA), Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night (Dylan Thomas; English; ttbb; 3; Kjos Music). A fantastic setting of a very familiar poem. So palpable in the text, the conflict and outrage is captured perfectly in the music. This piece allows each section of the choir to fully engage the melody, and it explores the full range of the changed male voice.

And from the editors desk...


Moses Hogan (USA), Plenty Good Room (trad., African-American; English; ttbb + T; Hal Leonard) Robert Kyr (USA), Veni Creator Spiritus (trad.; Latin; ttbarbarbb; ECS Publishing 6501) Colin Mawby (UK), O Emmanuel (text: trad.; Latin; Edition MusicContact 209008) Kuldar Sink (Estonia), Requiem aeternam (liturgical; Latin; ttbb; 7; Antes #00363) Branko Stark (Croatia), Molitva / Prayer (Croatian, Istrian dialect; ttbb; 330; www.bestMusic.hr) Muammer Sun (Turkey), Krolu Yiitlemesi (trad. 16c; Turkish; ttbb + B solo; mss from composer, msun@hacettepe.edu.tr) Joan Szymko (USA), I Look Long and Long (Walt Whitman; English; ttb + piano; Virditas VMP013) Gwyneth Walker (USA), Ive Known Rivers (four settings of poems by Langston Hughes; English; ttbb + piano; 12; ECS Publishing 7297-7300) 1. My Soul Has Grown Deep; 2. Troubled Water; 3. Jump Right In!; 4. In Time of Silver Rain.

ACDA Mens National Honor Choir (Peter Bagley, conductor)


arr. Robert DeCormier, Rainbow Round my Shoulder; (ttbb; LawsonGould, 4813762) arr. Peter Sozio, El Yivneh Hagalil / Song of Galilee; (ttbb; Boston, 105052) arr. Jason McCoy, Come Ye Thankful People, Come; (mss) arr. Shaw / Parker, What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor; (LawsonGould) Arthur Sullivan, The Long Day Closes; (CPDL) Joseph Martin, The Awakening; (ttbb; Shawnee, C-286)

Ippolitov-Ivanov, arr. Chesnokov, Blagoslovi, dush moy Ghspoda (ttbb; Musica Russica, Ip004mc) Hammerstein / Kern, arr. Robinson, Ol Man River; (Hal Leonard, HL 08621461) Jacob Handl, Ascendit Deus; (CPDL) Jacob Handl, Confirma hoc, Deus (Alliance, AMP0396) Howard Helvey, O sacrum convivium! (mss) arr. Howard Helvey, Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho (ttbb, pf 4hand; Beckenhorst Press, 1875) Kenyan-traditional, arr. Kirchner, Wana Barak a (tttbbb; Santa Barbara, SBMP807) Koren / Hoff, arr. Brad Holmes, Oh, Sing Jubilee (ttbb; Morning Star, MSM-50-2611) Morten Lauridsen, Sure on This Shining Night (ttbb, pf; Peer Music, 0124115) Erika Lloyd, Cells Planets (ttbb; Hinshaw HMC2280) Larry Nickel, The Storm Is Passing Over; (ttbb, pf; Cypress, CP1079) Paul Nelson, A Lullaby; (ttbb; Broude, RM 2053) A. R. Rahman; arr. Sperry, Wedding Qawwali; (earthsongs) Steven Sametz, Three Mystical Choruses* (tb semi-chorus, ttbb; EC Schirmer, 7711, 7712, 7713) *The 2011 Raymond W Brock Memorial Commission (premiere) Peter Schickele, Jonahs Song; (ttbb; Elkan-Vogel, 362-03303) Richard Strauss, Frhlich im Maien from Drei Mnnerchre; (ttbb; Boosey & Hawkes) Randall Thompson, The Last Words of David; (ttbb, pf; E C Schirmer, 2154) Eric Whitacre, Lux Aurumque; (ttbb; Walton, WJMS1064, HL08501528) Mack Wilberg arr., Cindy (mss) Chen Yi, Spring Dreams (satb; Theodore Presser, #312 - 41745)

63

ACDA Male Choirs concert repertoire


Lajos Brdos, Dana-Dana; (ttbb; Editio Musica Budapest, EMB Z20) Mason Bates, Observer in the Magellanic Cloud (mss) Richard Burchard, Creator alme siderum; (mss) Pavel Chesnokov, Duh Tvoy blagiy / Let Thy Good Spirit; (ttbb; Musica Russica, Cn 181mc) Tom Fettke, The Majesty and Glory of Your Name; (Word, 3010122160)

mss = unpublished manuscript CPDL = Choral Public Domain Library IMSLP = Petrucci Music Library for public domain scores - http:// imslp.org/ Alliance - http://www.alliancemusic.com Beckenhorst Press - http://www.beckenhorstpress.com Fred Bock - http://www.fredbock.com/ Boosey http://www.boosey.com Breitkopf & Hrtel - http://www.breitkopf.com earthsongs - http://www.earthsongschoralmusic.com/ EC Schirmer - http://www.ecspublishing.com/ Cappella - www.cappella-musikverlag-gera.de Cypress Choral Music http://web.me.com/larrynickel/Cypress_Choral_Music/Home.html

ICB Repertoire

... Male Choir Music

64

Editio Musica Budapest - http://www.emb.hu edition49 - http://www.zzz.ee/edition49/ Fazer http://www.fennicagehrman.fi/sheet.php Ferrimontana - http://www.ferrimontana.net/ Gehrmans Musikfrlag - http://www.gehrmans.se/ Graphite - http://www.graphitepublishing.com/Music/B009.html Hal Leonard =- http://www.halleonard.com Laulu-Miehet r.y. - http://www.laulumiehet.fi/ Musica Russica - http://www.musicarussica.com Peer Music - http://www.peermusic.com Santa Barbara http://www.sbmp.com Warner/Chappel Music Finland Oy http://www.warnermusic.fi

Marian E. Dolan is founding Artistic Director of The Choir Project based in Naples, Florida (USA), has edited international choral scores for four publishers, and was IFCMs chairperson for Voices Conferences in South Africa and the Baltics. She holds MM, MMA and DMA degrees in choral conducting from Yale University and was on the faculty of Emory University (Atlanta). She also leads honor choirs, workshops, and repertoire sessions both in the U.S. and abroad, and has commissioned over 35 new choral scores. Email: mdolan@aya.yale.edu

ISSN - 0896-0968

Volume XXX, Number 4 4th Quarter, 2011

ICB

International Choral Bulletin

Dossier Choral Music in New Zealand

ICB

You might also like